On September 27, 2025, a tragic active shooter incident shook the waterfront community of Southport, North Carolina. A gunman operating from a boat opened fire on a crowd gathered at the American Fish Company, a popular open-air bar located in the Southport Yacht Basin. The attack left three people dead and at least five others injured before law enforcement and local authorities brought the situation to an end.
Understanding what happened requires looking past initial social media panic to verified official reports, court documents, and local community updates. This overview details the facts of the attack, the immediate police and Coast Guard response, and how the tight-knit coastal town addressed the aftermath.
What Happened at the Southport Yacht Basin
The shooting unfolded at approximately 9:30 p.m. on a Saturday night. Patrons were gathered at the American Fish Company, a well-known waterfront establishment overlooking the Cape Fear River area yacht basin.
According to investigations released by the Southport Police Department and local law enforcement agencies, the assailant approached the venue from the water in a boat. From the water, the gunman opened fire directly into the crowded outdoor patio area. Witnesses reported a sudden burst of gunfire that caused immediate panic among patrons and staff.
Investigators later classified the attack as a targeted and highly premeditated incident rather than a random, spontaneous event. The layout of the Southport Yacht Basin, which features open docks and heavy weekend foot traffic, made the waterfront venue uniquely vulnerable to an assault launched from the water.
Timeline of the Response and Arrest
The response by local emergency services and federal partners was swift, limiting further loss of life.
- 9:30 p.m. (EDT): Multiple 911 calls flooded Brunswick County emergency dispatchers reporting shots fired at the American Fish Company.
- Immediate Aftermath: The Southport Police Department, Brunswick County Sheriff's Office, and neighboring agencies rushed to the scene. Local officials issued immediate shelter-in-place warnings, advising residents and visitors to stay away from the Southport Yacht Basin.
- Shortly After 10:00 p.m.: The U.S. Coast Guard spotted an individual matching the suspect's description loading a boat at a public boat ramp in neighboring Oak Island, just west of Southport.
- Detention: Coast Guard personnel and local officers successfully detained the suspect without further incident, handing him over to local police custody.
Authorities identified the suspect as Nigel Edge, a local resident and former military servicemember. Court documents and search warrants subsequently revealed an extensive seizure of weapons and ammunition from his properties, pointing toward meticulous planning. Edge was charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder, with prosecutors pursuing legal proceedings without bond.
Casualties and Medical Response
The attack resulted in three fatalities on-site, plunging the coastal community into deep mourning. At least five other individuals sustained serious injuries from gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical services transported the wounded victims to area hospitals for urgent care. Within the following week, medical updates confirmed that all injured victims had been treated and released from the hospital, aiding physical recovery even as emotional healing remained an ongoing journey for the town.
Local leaders, including North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, expressed profound grief over the tragedy and pledged state support for emergency services and victim advocacy. In November 2025, local agencies recognized several responding officers with Medals of Valor for their bravery and coordination during the chaotic nighttime response.
Community Impact and Business Recovery
Southport is widely known as a picturesque, quiet coastal destination with a deep sense of community identity. Local police chiefs emphasized that the actions of a single individual did not reflect the character of the town.
The American Fish Company and neighboring businesses closed indefinitely following the shooting to allow employees, owners, and patrons time to grieve and process the trauma. Candlelight vigils and community gatherings replaced weekend crowds at the yacht basin in the days following the event, highlighting the resilience of Brunswick County residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Southport shooting take place?
The incident occurred at the American Fish Company, an open-air bar situated along the Southport Yacht Basin in Southport, North Carolina.
Was the shooter acting alone?
Yes. Law enforcement confirmed that the suspect acted alone and that there was no lingering active threat to the public once he was taken into custody.
How was the suspect caught?
The U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement tracked a matching vessel to a public boat ramp in nearby Oak Island shortly after the shooting occurred, where the suspect was detained.
Are the injured victims recovering?
Yes. All individuals who sustained injuries during the shooting were treated at medical facilities and discharged from the hospital weeks following the incident.
